Old World Wisconsin

Where are we going today?

We knew history could be fun, but did you! Old World Wisconsin is a fascinating and historic attraction that is fun (and educational!) for kids, as they step back in time and actually experience what it would have been like to live and work on a farm at the turn of the century.

We bet it’s pretty different to what it’s like now! Old World Wisconsin has nearly 600 acres for the whole family to explore, and 65 buildings to experience that have been relocated from across the state.

We hope you’re ready to share a day of farm fun together! Ready to hear all about the fun things that you can get up to? Let’s go then! How about your first stop by the 1870s Crossroads Village, and join the busy blacksmith as he pounds that metal into objects used in everyday life.

Why don’t you pop into the Sisel Shoe Shop where you can help the shoemaker create their latest masterpieces with leather and pegs.

Don’t worry kids, there is always plenty to do to earn your keep around the farm! The farmers might need your help watering the gardens, or perhaps hunting for eggs in the chicken coop. Perhaps you might hear the farmer in the wood shop calling for some help!

Old World Wisconsin really does offer a chance to experience what living and working on a farm over a century ago is like. There are 10 working farmsteads, as well as a special “Life on the Farm” experience where the whole family can actually help the farmer and his wife get through the daily shores!

And what would a working farm be without animals! There are cows, chickens, horses, oxen, pigs and of course sheep that you can meet with. Afterwards, you can even get lost in nature with gardens and miles of nature paths to get explore.

The activites at Old World Wisconsin change by the season, so make sure you check out all that is happening before you go so you can ensure you’re there for the activities you don’t want to miss! The sheep get shorn in spring, and the harvest occurs in the fall …don’t miss that important 4th July celebration either!

Where is it at?

Directions

From Milwaukee
Downtown and Northern Suburbs: Take I-94 west to WI-67 (Oconomowoc exit). Head south on WI-67 approximately 15 miles to Old World Wisconsin, following signs to the site.
South Milwaukee and Southern Suburbs: Take I-894 to US-43 to WI-83 in Mukwonago. Head north on WI-83 to CR-NN, then west on CR-NN to WI-67 in Eagle. Head south on WI-67 to Old World Wisconsin, following signs to the site.
From Madison
Take I-94 east to WI-67 (Oconomowoc exit). Head south on WI-67 approximately 15 miles to Old World Wisconsin, following signs to the site.
From Chicago
Lake Shore and Southern Suburbs: Take I-94 north toward Wisconsin. Exit WI-20 at Racine. Continue west on WI-20 to WI-67. Go north on WI-67 an additional eight miles to Old World Wisconsin, following signs to the site.
West and Northwest Suburbs: Take US-12 to WI-67 in Elkhorn. Go north on WI-67 an additional 14 miles to Old World Wisconsin, following the signs to the site.

How Much Does It Cost?

Adults$19

Children$10 (ages 4 to 12)

DiscountSeniors $16

Free Under4 years

LAST UPDATED 2015

When Can We Go?

Teachers Corner

Their field trips are hands-on, hands down fun! They frequently get high marks for bringing the story of immigrants to the Midwest to life, and offer themes like Industrialization, Entrepreneurs, Farm Hands and more. Their periodic HomeSchool Days are favorites of the home school crowd too!

Need a Little Extra Help?

Some of the areas have limited accessibility because of the historic environment recreations. Make sure you call ahead to make arrangements if you need assistance. service animals are allowed.

Old World Wisconsin

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Any Top Tips?

Dress comfortably and plan for a day of enjoying the outdoors.

You can load your stroller onto a tram; keep in mind that our roads are gravelly and bumpy.

I’m Hungry!

Visit the octagonal Clausing Barn Restaurant for snacks and light meals, and enjoy dining in the barn or out back on the secluded patio.

Doing Our Bit

They LOVE education and fun, and they make sure that the history is correct to ensure the best education for the kids.

Can I Get One of Those?

They have bonnets and Civil War caps, games and toys from the late 1800s/early 1900s, stick candy, books from and about the time period…so plenty to buy and keep your learning going!

More Information

Check out the Adventure Camps and workshops you can participate in!

Athena Black

3 years ago

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We took the kids here and had a great time. It’s a great way to enjoy a bit of nature and history and have a little fun too. The kids enjoyed it, not as much as Great America, but they did enjoy it. There were things the children could do like ride an old fashioned bike, help in the blacksmith shop, play with old fashioned toys, and pet a horse, visit an old school house and write on a slate board. They also had a very nice, clean, cafe to eat at with a pretty good menu. The different areas are a bit of a walk but if you’re patient there are free trains that come around every 15 minutes or so to take you to another area. Don’t wear your fanciest clothes. It’s dusty and there are live animals you’ll come in contact with in some areas. There are restrooms to clean up in but I recommend bringing hand wipes too.

Debra Kiser

3 years ago

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I learned quite a bit today from the staff at OWW therefore I feel my time there was very well spent strolling through my childhood memories. My children, ages 23 and 8 didn’t enjoy it as much as they had very little familiarity with the lifestyle or implements of the age depicted.It was quite warm today so we relied on the tram service to get around the entire exhibit. Parents with little ones and older folks should plan to take the tram often as the paths between exhibit areas are not paved and the distances quite far. Water fountains are numerous throughout the property so skip bringing a beverage that may regret having to lug around. The cafe is located near the parking lot so don’t count on the convenience of a snack to purchase during the self guided tour, bring one with you or stop at the cafe on your way in. Many of the home kitchens showcased freshly baked, cooked or roasted foods of the era with products from the gardens and barns. Fascinating, delicious smelling and hunger inducing sights and smells.Use the restrooms at the gift shop before starting your tour as they are few and far between.Items to purchase at the gift shop are very reasonably priced.I could have easily spent 7 hours there but my kids were done seeing it all after just 2 hours or so. The subtle differences in the exhibited cultures and lifestyles were lost on them.I look forward to returning with my sister, we are both just shy of 50 years old, but I’ll leave the kids at home.

Chris Voigt

3 years ago

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Unique dip into different stages of our history. There are amazing staff throughout the grounds portraying life challenges of their respective times. Each trip there you’ll get to experience something new because they are always hosting intriguing events that’ll immerse you into a past life.

Unmarked Services - Joseph Toth

3 years ago

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This is a outdoor museum. Something I knew nothing of, until I visited this one. This is a massive place with a lot to see and learn. A perfect place for school groups to visit. Old World Wisconsin is in really good condition and shows us how life used to be back in those times. School groups may contact Old World Wisconsin to arrange for a guided tour as a very educational school field trip. Impressive displays of vintage buildings left out no detail at all, right down to the furnishings and farm implements you would find in those days. This IS a ‘must see’ attraction. Unmarked Services Investigative R. & P. (Not for hire) Joseph Toth

Josef Esparza

3 years ago

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OWW is a day well spent. Located in the middle of the awesome Kettle Morraine State Park, it is a beautiful hike through historical wisconsin, or you can take the trolley. I’ve taken my son there at least once every summer since he was born, and I will continue to do so.